Real Tonga leases ATR 72-600

Real Tonga has leased a 68-seat ATR 72-600 from Fiji Airways following the grounding of its MA60 fleet last month. The ATR is being used to operate a series of charter flights.

Real Tonga’s CEO Tevita Palu said: “The sudden unavailability of the MA60 aircraft has meant that we have had to urgently re-adjust our fleet and whilst we are grateful that this happened during the lower demand periods, the additional aircraft and services will provide a much more stable and reliable schedule. Since the termination of the MA60 lease, our customers have not received the best service available as the airline has been limited to just two smaller aircraft. The ATR 72-600 is a great option as it is state of the art technology and it provides us with an opportunity to evaluate the aircraft operation with a view to developing regional services in the near future.”